Eight months after, Edo govt explains how Gov Okpebholo’s aide died

Eight months after the death of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo's Special Adviser on Arewa Matters, Alhaji Danjuma Garba, the state government has provided details on how the event transpired. Dr Andrew Iyamu, the Special Adviser on Health Matters, disclosed this during a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy in Benin City.

According to Iyamu, the death of the governor's aide, who passed away on January 10, 2026, was attributed to the actions of a final-year medical student at a private hospital in Benin City's Uselu area. The Special Adviser explained that medical regulations prohibit final-year medical students from practicing independently. He clarified that the deceased had been under the care of this student, who had been treating the patient for several years.

Iyamu emphasized the dangers of medical quackery and the importance of entrusting healthcare to qualified professionals. He recounted how efforts were made to transfer the deceased to a more equipped facility; however, the damage had already been done, as his heart was too weak to pump blood. The drugs administered to him were also inappropriate, as he was not being treated by a cardiologist.

Iyamu also addressed the family's request to release the final-year medical student, explaining that he had been their family doctor for several years. Despite the family's insistence, the student was handed over to them, asserting that it was against medical ethics to allow unqualified individuals to practice. He urged residents to seek care at well-equipped state-owned medical facilities, where they could receive treatment from qualified medical personnel.

The state government has taken steps to prevent such practices through the appointment of health monitors, according to Iyamu.